Life is not normal right now. We remember normal. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago? While the staff and volunteers of the Joy of Music School pursue an augmented mission of getting kids’ musical lives back to as close to normal as possible, there are some unique and innovative things happening. As the staff began setting up dozens and dozens of weekly lessons for students and teachers via video link, we learned that connecting everyone brings out our creativity and problem-solving skills. One family with two JoMS piano students said there’s no way they could do their lessons online because their laptop (and its built-in camera) has a nonfunctional battery, and it’s 20 feet away from their piano. They can’t unplug it, and it’s way too far away for a video lesson. But wouldn’t a long power extension cord help? Well, yes, if they had wifi. But they do not. The laptop is connected to the internet via an ethernet cable, and it’s shorter than the power cord! Then inspiration struck! We sent them a long, long ethernet cable. They plug the laptop into a power outlet near the piano, run the ethernet cable to their node, and Zoom! — piano lessons are happening every week now for two deserving kids. That’s just one example of how our team of staff and volunteers are spreading the Joy of Music all across the area in impressive and creative ways. Our mission remains the same — but adjustments are happening every day. I couldn’t be prouder of our families, our team, and especially our kids as they keep the music alive. This challenge helps us stretch our minds, and refocuses us on our mission to the community, and especially to our students. Let’s stay connected!